UK EVENT
Sat 19 Sep 2026
A joint C20 Society/Decorative Arts Society visit will tour post-war Coventry. In the context of the post-WW2 redevelopment of central Coventry, we will look at how decorative and public art was an important element of town planning and new architecture. The day will include a guided walk through the UK’s first pedestrian shopping area to understand how Coventry applied the then-new science of town planning. We will visit some important buildings including the Belgrade Theatre, the former Coventry Telegraph office (now a hotel) and the Library (formerly the Locarno Ballroom). There will be a guided tour of Coventry Cathedral’s architecture and important artworks.
Our guide for the architecture walk will be Katriona Byrne, Senior Lecturer in Conservation of the Historic Environment at Birmingham City University (BCU). She will be supported by local C20 committee member Geraldine Hammerseley who will cover the public art.
There will be stops for lunch and post-event drinks at The Telegraph (all at own cost).
The visit is from 10.45 to 16.30 and the cost is £45. Please contact Martin Webster, Chairman of the Events sub-committee, if you would like a place on this visit.
